Ideas to customise your new build

New build properties are blank canvases ready for you to make your mark. But it can be tricky to know where to start if you want to make it feel like yours. Here, we’ll reveal 12 top ideas to customise your new build and add personality. But first…

Have a say in the design for your new house

Contrary to what you might think, you don’t always have to wait until you’ve got the keys to start customising your new build. Instead, if you buy your property off-plan, you can often have a say when it comes to designing your new house.

Some developers will have a selection of themes for you to choose from, so that you can pick the style that best suits your tastes. Others will work with you more closely if you buy your property early enough, so that you can personalise your home’s design to suit your lifestyle. If you purchase your house before the build has started, you may even be able to tweak its layout.

Some aspects that you can often have a say over include:

• Colour scheme
• Kitchen worktops
• Flooring
• Electrical fittings
• Tiling
• Wardrobes
• Kitchen appliances
• Whether a spare room is set up as a bedroom or home office

Reserving your property early will give you the best chance of having a say over your new build’s design and decor. That way, you’ll be in a position to work with the developers from the beginning.

12 ideas to customise your new build

Once you’ve got the keys, you can really put your stamp on your new property. Here are some ideas to add your personality and make sure your house stands out from the rest of the homes in your development.

1. Add colour to decorate a new home

New builds are often decorated in white, grey or magnolia. Adding some pops of colour will immediately make it feel more personal and brighten up your space. This living room features a calming colour palette that makes this home feel calm and serene at the same time as fresh and modern.

2. Prioritise lighting design ideas in your home

Neglecting to pay attention to your lighting is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to customising a new build. New builds frequently come with a host of downlights – layering these with statement pendant lights, floor lamps and table lamps will ensure that your lighting design is versatile and can suit every mood. Here, a modern living room ceiling light hangs low over the space, zoning the seating area and adding architectural interest.

3. Bring texture to your new home decor

Adding texture to your new build property through items like throws, cushions and rugs can help to balance out your new build’s straight lines and clean edges. This homeowner is nailing it with a fluffy rug, knitted blanket, plush cushions and jute pouffe. Even the wall art adds a unique texture and depth to the space.

4. Give your new home character with a fireplace

Adding a fireplace to your new build property can be a fantastic way to add character – as well as literal and figurative warmth! Here, an electric fireplace has been teamed with cosy candles, dried flowers and a canvas featuring ducks. The result is a modern cottage vibe that mashes together the traditional and contemporary.

5. Incorporate panelling in your home design ideas

Wall panelling is another great shout if you’re looking to add charm and character to your new build. There are lots of options available but this homeowner has opted for simple board-and-batten MDF panelling at half height. Painted a deep sea green, it’s the perfect blend of classic and contemporary for a new home.

6. Add a personal touch to your interior home ideas

The surest way to make a new house feel like home is to place your favourite objects and decor on display. This homeowner has filled their shelves with an indoor garden, together with an inspirational quote and a ‘crazy plant lady’ sign. It’s clearly bursting with their personality which is exactly what you want from a home!

7. Embrace upcycling and vintage finds in your interior ideas for your home

When it comes to decorating a new build, incorporating old or upcycled furniture and decor can help infuse your property with a sense of history and counter its slick, clean lines. Here, vintage lace makes the perfect focal point above the bed, while an upcycled crate, table and trunk make this new build bedroom feel like a vintage one.

8. Make a point of dressing the windows in your newly decorated home

Dressing the windows in your newly decorated home is a surefire way to make it feel cosy and inviting – especially in winter months. In particular, adding flowing curtains can help to soften your space and bring in texture. This homeowner has layered sheer curtains with heavier ones for extra privacy.

9. Make feature walls part of your new home decorating plans

An accent wall can be a great solution to boxy, featureless rooms. Here, a botanical wallpaper draws focus to the sofa area and helps to zone this open plan living space. Other feature wall ideas include gallery walls, colour blocking or even investing in a feature headboard for a bedroom.

10. Focus on small but mighty interior ideas for your home

When it comes transforming your new build from a blank canvas, small changes can have a big impact. For instance, instead of ripping out your brand new kitchen to replace it with something that feels more ‘you,’ why not instead change your kitchen cabinet handles and add a characterful splashback? These copper handles and kitchen wall tiles make an eye-catching statement without costing the earth.

11. Bring traditional touches to your new build home

Just because you don’t live in a period home, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring in traditional features such as chair rails, picture rails and coving. Rather, there are plenty of contemporary versions that can help you to channel charm and character when decorating your new build. For instance, we think this ceiling rose would look just as attractive in a new property as an older one.

12. Fill the walls to customise your new build

Blank walls are always going to make your property feel like a blank canvas, whereas filling them will quickly make it feel like home. This neutral bedroom features a black-and-white gallery wall above the bed to create a much-needed focal point. Other wall design ideas include commissioning a wall mural, adding stylish shelves or drawing focus with oversized artwork – the sky’s the limit!

Customising your new build key takeaways

• Buying your home off-plan might mean you can have a say when it comes to its style and decor
• Try to give each room a focal point – for instance, you could create a feature wall, add statement artwork or even build a fireplace
• Prioritise small changes that can make a big impact, such as switching your kitchen door handles

Ready to customise your new build? Start by finding a trusted handyperson near you who can help to turn your ideas into a reality.